Tag Archive

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)? Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression or clinical depression, is a serious mental health disorder that can drastically affect a person’s daily life. For example, it can result in problems sleeping, eating, and working. MDD can be incredibly debilitating when left untreated.2 Depression is among the most […]

Substance Use by Occupation Some individuals in certain occupations may be more susceptible to substance misuse, addiction, and drug overdose.1 Occupations with Higher Rates of Drug Overdose Deaths According to the National Vital Statistics Report, compiled by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 occupations experienced […]

Signs of PTSD in Veterans According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) there are 4 main groups of symptoms involved with PTSD, though how you experience these symptoms may vary compared with others. Some of the symptoms can occur right after the event, but sometimes, they may not develop until years later—there […]

What is Bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior happens repeatedly, or has the potential to happen repeatedly.3 Bullying isn’t just traumatic in childhood, though, and it’s not a passing phase. Research shows bullying and harassment can cause adult symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).4 In fact, […]

What is a Psychotic Disorder? A psychotic disorder is a severe mental health disorder characterized by a collection of psychotic symptoms that affect the mind, impacting a person’s thoughts and perceptions and making it difficult for them to distinguish what is real from what is not.1,2 These psychotic symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, speech […]

What Are Trauma-Related Disorders? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5) defines trauma- and stressor-related disorders as mental disorders in which a traumatic event or chronic stress are specifically listed as a diagnostic criterion.2 Several disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, prolonged grief disorder) are recognized in this category, […]

What is the Respiratory System? The respiratory system is made up of the various organs and tissues that allow people to breathe. It’s divided into two tracts: the upper and lower. The upper tract involves the mouth, nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat. The lower track includes the larynx (aka voice box), trachea, bronchial tubes, […]

The Function of the Kidneys and Renal System The kidneys, which are part of the renal system, filter blood to remove waste and excess water via myriad filtering units called nephrons, each of which has a glomerulus and a tubule. The glomerulus filters the blood, and the tubule removes waste and returns needed substances to […]

What Affects the Muscular System? Nearly every movement in the body occurs through this system. Damage to this system can lead to issues with movement, damage to other organ systems, and chronic pain. None of the organ systems in the body operate independently. For instance, because the musculoskeletal system is primarily controlled by the central […]

Can Drugs or Alcohol Cause Cancer? While it’s difficult to determine exactly what caused someone’s cancer, science has revealed a host of risk factors that can increase the chances of developing it. Some forms of substance misuse are clear risk factors for multiple types of cancer development while others are suspected risk factors for only […]